What is happening?

Over the past few weeks, as I have been travelling the country talking to salvage operations throughout the UK I have heard more negativity than over the past few years.
Most grief is targeted at the ever increasing red tape and compliance issues being forced on the industry by Local, National and EU legislation, with the Environment Agency taking most of the flak for their attitude and insistence on doing things by the book.
Illegal operators are high on many peoples agenda, why are the EA being so hard on compliant, registered and licenced operators but not forcing the illegals to stop or legitimise their operations. Surely this should have more priority for the benefit of the whole motor salvage and recycling industry.

In some areas enforcement of Hazardous Waste Legislation has become a major issue, but this has not been raised elsewhere - indicating lack of consistency within the EA.

I am sure we all agree that proper handling, de-pollution and recycling of vehicles is something that the whole industry needs to guarantee, and the illegals are obviously not taking that course, but it does appear a little disingenuous to blame the EA for all the problems. This is an issue that has an impact throughout the industry, and I believe that it is the industry that needs to take a stand on this.

Are you a member of the BVSF or MVDA? What are these industry bodies doing to stop the illegal activity? Could they do more?

I do not know the answers, hopefully there are people out there who do know the answers and can enlighten us all. If you are a member of these organisations, when did you last speak to them, or write to them asking them what action they are taking to force illegal operators from the business? If you haven't done this recently, compose a letter or e-mail and send it to them. It would be good to see the reaction.

Have a good week, in and out of the yard.